The concept behind the tins is “Live local, Dine local.” The Madison City Tins are filled with 20 gift card coasters featuring a different Madison restaurant on each coaster ($200 value).

Each coaster is a $10 gift card off your purchase of $25 or more. The following Madison Originals restaurants are included:

Brasserie V

Bunky’s

Captain Bill’s

Creamery Cafe

Delaney’s

Essen Haus

Hawk’s

Ian’s Pizza

Imperial Garden

jacs

Liliana’s

Lombardino’s

Mariner’s Inn

Nau-Ti-Gal

Nitty Gritty

Nostrano

Quivey’s Grove

The Roman Candle

Sprecher’s

Wonder Bar

These tins will sell out, so stock up now if you need them for the holidays–they make great gifts and stocking stuffers for the foodies in your life. Each tin retails for $25. You can order online on their website.

My friend and I got there early hoping to find a spot to sit. Even an hour before the throw down was set to begin, the tables were already filled. Luckily, Social Media Breakfast co-manager, Wendy Soucie, and her family were just leaving and we were able to snag their corner booth! Thanks Wendy!

Just before 8 p.m., the Ian’s Pizza entourage walked in wearing their #IansVsBombers black T-shirts. Team Ian’s made quite an entrance while being greeted with boos from Team Bombers (decked in a red version of the same shirt).

The rivalry was playful and fun to experience. The Sconnie Girls were walking around handing out stickers and sunglasses, and Cami Ford from Food Wars was making her rounds. It was great to see tables with both teams represented. Shortly after the entrance, the battle began.

The event kicked off with an AJ Bombers burger and about 10 minutes later it was followed with a slice of Ian’s Pizza. The food kept coming in 10 to 20 minute increments until all 10 dishes had been served. Here’s the order of the food:

Round 1: Mad Sconnie vs. Mac n’ Cheese Pizza

Round 2: Barrie Burger vs. Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza

Round 3: Black Bean Burger vs. Florentine Pizza

Round 4: Milwaukee Burger vs. Smokey & the Bandit Pizza

Round 5: Mac ‘n Cheeseburger vs. Sconnie Pizza

In the final round, each restaurant had to make their version of something from the other’s menu. So, AJ Bombers made a Mac ‘n Cheeseburger, and Ian’s Pizza made a Sconnie Pizza.

Interestingly, after tasting ALL of this food, my favorite AJ Bombers burger is the Mad Sconnie, and my favorite Ian’s Pizza is the Sconnie. For me, both restaurants pulled out a win. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere was lively, and everyone had a great time!

Both restaurants know how to throw a great event and how to enjoy a friendly rivalry. This was my first time trying both AJ Bombers and Ian’s Pizza–what a great way to start!

To read more about the event, check out Ben’s review, AJ Bombers and Ian’s Pizza Face Off in Late Night Food Throwdown, at The Food Hunt.